Trump Weighs Moving Marijuana to Less-Restrictive Schedule III

President Donald Trump is considering directing federal agencies to move marijuana from Schedule I—the government’s strictest drug category—to Schedule III, a classification that would deem the substance less dangerous and ease restrictions on research and commerce, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the discussions. Trump signaled his interest at a $1-million-a-plate fundraiser held earlier this month at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, attendees told the Journal. Among the guests was Trulieve Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers, who urged the president to pursue rescheduling and expand medical-cannabis research. Trump replied that the proposal is “something we need to look at,” the report said. A shift to Schedule III would not legalize recreational marijuana nationally, but it would allow cannabis businesses to claim federal tax deductions barred under current law and could accelerate clinical studies. The White House said all policy and legal implications are under review and that any decision will prioritize the public interest. No timeline has been given for a final ruling.